CN
“The best smart speaker for most people, especially Prime members”
Is the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) worth it?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ($99.87) is recommended with a 8.5/10 consensus score across 18 expert reviews. Experts highlight best alexa experience and excellent sound quality. CNET says: "The best smart speaker for most people, especially Prime members" Best for: Alexa users, Smart home beginners, Prime members.
Recommended18 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$99.87
Verified 67d ago
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Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Speakers
SHE ScoreGood
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
7/10
18 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth3.1/10
Setup Ease5.8/10
Reliability7.2/10
Value Rating9/10
Future-Proofing10/10
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) earns a SHE Score of 7/10, driven by strong future-proofing (10/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (3.1/10). Based on 18 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.5/10 across 18 sources
Updated 5 days ago“The best smart speaker for most people, especially Prime members”
Key Features
- ✓ 360° audio
- ✓ Zigbee hub
- ✓ Temperature sensor
- ✓ Ultrasound motion detection
Best For
Alexa usersSmart home beginnersPrime members
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Best Alexa experience
- ✓ Excellent sound quality
- ✓ Built-in Zigbee hub
- ✓ Temperature sensor included
- ✓ Great value for features
- ✓ Premium audio at mid-range price
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Privacy concerns with Amazon
- ✗ Limited without Prime subscription
- ✗ Spherical design divisive
- ✗ No battery option
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What The Experts Say
WI
“Excellent value with impressive audio and smart home features”
TO
“The built-in hub makes this the smart home centerpiece”
Ready to buy the Amazon Echo (4th Gen)?
Check Price on Amazon$99.87 · 18 expert sources · 8.5/10 consensus
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See how the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ranks against the full field in our Smart Speakers buying guides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) worth it?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) earns a 8.5/10 consensus score across 18 expert sources and is rated "Recommended". At $99.87, it is best for Alexa users. CNET notes: "The best smart speaker for most people, especially Prime members"
How much does the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) cost?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is priced at $99.87. With a 8.5/10 score from 18 expert reviews and a "Recommended" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Smart Speakers products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) best for?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is best for Alexa users, Smart home beginners, Prime members. Experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.5/10 consensus across 18 sources.
How does the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) compare to other Smart Speakers options?
Among the Smart Speakers products we have aggregated, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ranks above average with a 8.5/10 score. Wirecutter adds: "Excellent value with impressive audio and smart home features"
What smart home systems does the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) work with?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) works with Amazon Alexa. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Amazon Echo (4th Gen)?
If the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ($99.87, 8.5/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Speakers are Google Nest Audio, Apple HomePod mini, Sonos One. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Amazon Echo (4th Gen)?
The main strengths of the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) are best alexa experience and excellent sound quality. The most-cited downside is privacy concerns with amazon. Overall, 18 expert sources rate it "Recommended" with a 8.5/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 18 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 18 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.